Manipur win Vijay Merchant Trophy; team felicitated by MNCA
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 07 2024:
Manipur Cricket Association (MNCA) along with the people on Sunday extended warm welcome to the state team who won the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under 16 boys' Merchant Trophy 2023-24 (Plate Group) in Jharkhand on Friday, at Imphal International Airport.
Speaking on the occasion, MNCA secretary Ronel noted that being located in a tropical area, the Association was able to play only 150 matches out of 270 matches in the tournament calendars in last two years.
However, MNCA set a target to play 715 matches and as such, over 250 matches have been played till date.
He remarked that the biggest problem in playing cricket in Manipur is the inability to hold multi-days game.
Nonetheless, efforts will be made to select fit players to play Under-16, Under-19, and Under-23 categories in multiday format as soon as possible, he conveyed.
Ronel continued that to promote cricket in Manipur, efforts would be made to conduct batting and bowling clinics to address shortcomings of the players.
At present, works are underway to construct new cricket fields in Lamsang, Thangmeiband and Patsoi, he said and applauded the U-16 team for winning the Vijay Merchant Trophy, adding that the win will help inspire the youth of the state.
Mention may be made here that the Manipur team lifted the Vijay Merchant Trophy 2023-24 (Plate Group) on Friday.
The state clinched the title by defeating Meghalaya by an innings and 35 runs in the final played at Keena Stadium, Jamshedpur in Jharkhand.
The team had progressed to the finals undefeated except for a draw with Sikkim.
In this regard, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said: "Our players continue to script history and instil immense pride in our hearts!".
BJP legislator and MNCA president RK Imo Singh, while congratulating the team for its historic feat, announced Rs 5 lakh for the bright cricketers and their supporters, even as the association is all prepared to accord a grand felicitation to the victorious team in Imphal on Tuesday.
Imo took to Facebook, and posted: "Congratulations to the historic U-16 cricket team of Manipur, which won its maiden BCCI Trophy since becoming a full BCCI member by winning the U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy 2023-24 Plate Group defeating Meghalaya in the Finals, and thus qualifying for the Elite Group next year".
Then MLA added that the junior team has followed the senior counterparts who reached the elite group of Ranji this season.
"On behalf of Manipur Cricket, I am announcing a sum of Rs 5 lakh for the young cricketers and the staff who have created a place in history by achieving the extraordinary feat," he said, while congratulating the coach, support staff, members who have played a big role in guiding these young players.
Let us all dream bigger and achieve more as the days go by" .
MNCA also had released a press release, stating "our players have created history by clinching the first-ever Full Membership BCCI Winning Trophy of the Association by their grit and passion" .
(With additional inputs from Waari Singbul Network) .